Creative bible study methods

Lesson 1: chapter 19

Studying bible poetry

Bible as Literature:

The Bible is presented as great literature, and studying its message reveals spiritual truth.

Poetic Books:

Books like Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon are highlighted as examples of poetic forms within the Bible.

Hebrew Poetry:

Discusses the concept of parallelism, which is common in Hebrew poetry, where lines or thoughts agree or contrast with each other.

Types of Parallelism:

There are 4 common types mentioned:1)Synonymous Parallelism:

The second line repeats the thought of the first line using synonyms.

2)Antithetic Parallelism: It presents a contrasting thought to the first

3) Synthetic parallelism(Building Blocks of Truth)

Each line adds to the previous, developing the truth fully.

4)Emblematic parallelism(Emblems)

Create a visual picture of God’s truth in our minds.

Active Types of Hebrew Poetry:

Epic Poetry:

Tells the story of a hero or action (e.g., the story of Balaam in Numbers 22-24).

Dramatic Poetry:

Acted poetry (e.g., the book of Job).Job’s life was best described as an acted poetry

Lyric Poetry:

Sung poetry (best seen in minor prophets) Seen when Deborah sung in the book of Judges 5.It’s also a way of expressing mourning or sorrow as in the book of lamentations